Actually that's pretty normal for a cold starter. The yeast just goes dormant in the cold, it doesn't die. Letting it warm up and giving it fresh food wakes it right back up. I mean, it's a relief when it bounces back so fast. Makes you realize how tough those little microbes really are.

Wow, you just changed my whole view on this. I used to get so mad chasing payments from big companies, like it was a personal insult. But calling it "the cost of doing business" clicks for me. It's not a glitch, it's just how their machine works. I guess I should stop being surprised and just plan for it.

Yeah, the "last try" thing hits home. We had a navicular case that was basically retired until glue-ons got him pasture sound.

That blueprint could have been marked as company intellectual property. Saw a case where a guy took a picture of a schematic in a secure area. Even though he was just checking his work, it violated data security rules. They treat those documents like state secrets now. Could be less about the photo and more about where it was taken.

I get calling it the expensive way, but that $800 trip is still a win. For some people, just getting to see those boxes in person is the whole point. My first trip to Europe was a blur like that, and I don't regret a second. It taught me what I actually want to see next time.